Trey Fix-Wolansky is having a heck of a start to his season, and is showing why he's on Team WHL and should be a top player when they face Team Russia.
Fix-Wolansky was named to Team WHL for the Super Series on Oct. 17. He has played five games since then and has recorded a staggering 14 points. He’s scored five goals, added nine assists and has had a multiple points in each game – climbing into second in league scoring with 32 points, and a 1.88 point per game rate.
Fix-Wolansky is more of a playmaker and his 21 assists lead the league, but he likes to shoot the puck, too. This past weekend he recorded 17 shots in three games. His 65 shots rank second in the league.
Fix-Wolansky has a very good chance at lead the WHL in scoring this season, but we need to be careful not to overrate him too much as a prospect. He's a talented player, but it’s going to take him time. We have seen players like Oliver Bjorkstrand and Vitali Abramov, smaller skilled players, light up junior hockey and have to make an adjustment to professional hockey. It’s quite likely the same will happen with Fix-Wolansky.
A player who might not need time adjusting to pro hockey is Emil Bemstrom. He's already playing professionally in Sweden and is doing remarkably well, especially considering his age. He already has seven goals and 10 points on the season. He leads all U20 players in scoring and is tied for third in the league in goals.
He looks to be a shoe-in for Sweden’s World Junior roster and is quickly climbing the Blue Jackets' prospect ranks.
Quick Hits
Veini Vehvilainen is showing he is far too good for the Liiga. In 13 games he has an absurd .945 save percentage, which is a full .20 ahead of the next-best netminder.
Elvis Merzlikins is proving once again he is far too good for his league as well. He has a .932 save percentage in the NLA, the highest of his career and sits third overall in the league.
